*You will need also an Arduino UNO board to program the ATmega328 micro possessor

**USB to Serial adapter will allow the circuit to communicate with the computer through the USB cable, just like Arduino uno does.

***Why to use screw terminal connectors? Because you don't want to solder and desolder cables from stepper motors until you find the correct working combination.

Tools (only for 'pro' part list):

Screwdriver

Soldering iron

Solder

Cutting tool (e.g. Dremel) (Optional for cutting plastic parts)

Glue

Step 2: Desassembly DVD/CD Drives

First step to start building this cnc machine is to disassemble two dvd/cd drives and take off them the stepper motors. Use the screwdriver to open them and take off them the rails.

Next step is to choose our base for this CNC machine. I used one surface from remaining dvd 'garbage' stuff.

Finally we will need to find something to attach the one of the stepper-rails vertically to our construction. (you will understand what I mean in our next step) Watch the above image.

Step 3: X and Y Axis

In first image above you will see the Y axis of our CNC machine. Attach it on your surface, in this part you will need some screws and nuts.

In second image you will see the X and Y axis. The X axis is attached to two plastic parts that I took from remaining 'garbage' stuff. I cut it to fit the construction.

This is an easy procedure. Just make sure to put the Y axis straight to CNC base and the X axis vertically in this (90 degrees).

Step 4: The Z Axis

That's the most difficult part of our construction.

You will need something to attach it on X axis, a flat surface. On that surface you will attach the servo motor (Z axis) and the pen base. Pen (or pencil) must be able to move up and down with the help of servo motor.

Watch the above image to understand what you need to do to duild Z axis.

Tip! Use your imagination ;)

Step 5: Paper Base

Now you will have to attach a wood (or plastic) surface on Y axis (5x5cm will be fine).

On this you will put the paper piece to print your texts or images!

Remember, printing area is 4x4cm.

Step 6: The Circuit

Now that we have our contraction ready, it's time to build the circuit and test stepper motors (X and Y axis).

Watch the above image with breadboard circuit schematic.

Steppers motors wiring is something that need patient. On next step you will find a 'testing' code for x and y axis. If yours steppers doesn't work properly you must find correct working combination by changing the cables between them and the L293D ICs.

Attachments

Step 10: Make Your Own Gcode Files!

To make gcode files that are compatible with this cnc machine you have to use the Inkscape.

Inkscape is professional quality vector graphics software which runs on Windows, Mac OS X and Linux. It is used by design professionals and hobbyists worldwide, for creating a wide variety of graphics such as illustrations, icons, logos, diagrams, maps and web graphics. Inkscape uses the W3C open standard SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) as its native format, and is free and open-source software.

Now you need to install an Add-on that enables the export images to gcode files. This add on can be found here with installation notes.

Setup Inkscape for first use

Open the Inkscape, go to File menu and click "Document Properties". See the 1st image above and make the changes, make sure to change first to "cm". Now close this window.

We will use the area within 4 to 8 cm. See the 2nd image above.

How to print texts

Put text, change font to Times New Roman and size to 22. Now click on cursor icon and center the text like the 3rd image above. Select Path from menu and "Object to Path".

How to print images

This is more difficult than texts. Images must have a transparent background. Drag and drop the arduino logo image (download it from files) in Inkscape. Click ok to the next window. Now you have to re-size the image to fit our printing area, see the 4th image above. Click Path from menu and "Trace Bitmap".

Make changes as the 5th image above. Click ok and close the window. Now, move the gray scale image, and delete the color one behind it. Move the grey image to the correct place again and click from Path menu "Object to path". The 6th image above show how to delete image outline.

Export as gcode

Final, go to file menu, click save as and select .gcode. Click ok on next window. That's it! Ready to go! Use the gctrl.pde app to print the gcode file on your new Arduino CNC Plotter!

I will make a video on next days about this procedure because it's little complicated. It took me a lot of time to understand how it's working...

Step 11: Well Done!

You have successfully completed this tutorial and you have your own CNC Plotter on your desk!

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218 Discussions

Dear I m facing problem to draw image I think in inkscape making gcode is not making correct gcode after saving the gcode & using processing 3.1 the image will not draw correct .I think u understand my problem please help me out thi issue.I am waiting for your reply.

I made this. but before connecting servo motor, i did all others in the way this website told. I tested the axes individually they worked correctly. But once i run GCTRL, it didn't move a millimeter. I even connected a power bank which gives output of 2A, but nothing happened. Is there anyone who knows the reason and the way to get rid of it?

How to increase the print area because i have a big spiral rotor(20 cm) for the motor which we are using for x and y axis how can i change the program so that it is capable to print the areas bigger then 4X4 cm.

Hi. I want to know how much power supply is required.Actually i have connect dc motor instead of servo motor and used three L293D ic.I am providing 5 v of supply but the motors make noise, they don't turn.please help.